Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, a result that sets the stage for Manchester City's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta
Man City could move top of Premier League if they win all their next three games(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
View Image
Arsenal kicked off against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory would send them 12 points clear at the summit of the Premier League table. They ended the match facing a complete shift in momentum in the title race.
Alex Scott's stunning goal at the Emirates Stadium handed Bournemouth a 2-1 triumph and threw the top of the table wide open. Arsenal looked disjointed and struggled to exert any meaningful pressure on the Cherries' goal.
Their goal came courtesy of a Viktor Gyokeres penalty following a handball, and Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic had precious little to deal with. Arsenal still hold a nine-point advantage over Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola's side have two games in hand - and, crucially, face Arsenal next weekend.
This potentially signals a dramatic change of fortunes for Mikel Arteta's side. City travel to west London to face Chelsea in the Premier League, needing all three points to maintain the pressure.
A win at Stamford Bridge would set the stage perfectly for the following Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Victories over Chelsea and Arsenal would reduce the gap to three points, and with City then facing Burnley on April 22 - before Arsenal host Newcastle on April 25 - Guardiola's side could leapfrog Arsenal, providing they can close the gap in goal difference.
Arsenal currently sit on +38, six ahead of City's +32. Arteta made no attempt to conceal his feelings. "Disappointing. It's a big punch in the face and it's about how we react now," he told TNT Sports. "They are a team who haven't lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right.
"We were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it's a deflection, a bad defending action and it's a goal. That's something we have to recover from. The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today. We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football."
When questioned whether his squad were in pain, he responded: "A lot. It has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you're out. It's a big week. A lot at stake. We're still in a good position in both competitions.
"This is a huge disappointment," Arsenal title-winner Martin Keown said on TNT Sports. "Bournemouth were Magnificent but how many times have we been saying that now? Southampton were magnificent last week. You have to be better than you were today.
"Bournemouth pressed exceptionally well, but it's about sticking together, and you are going to have to, they have a huge game in the midweek, and everyone is going to be writing you off now. Will that change the mentality of the players? The pressure today was too much at times, and we're lacking energy.
"Now people have to stand up. Personalities have to come forward. Leaders need to emerge. It's still in your hands because you play Manchester City in the Premier League. You do have a Champions League game midweek though, and you need to make sure that the wheels do not come off."